Breaking generational cycles of trauma | Opinion

The physical bruises may go away, but the emotional and mental wounds for a domestic violence victim will have long-lasting impact. Sadly, Palm Beach County and the state of Florida know this kind of cruelty as the state reported nearly 70,000 domestic violence cases in 2022.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and HomeSafe provides local services to help stop the cycle of domestic abuse. Historically, people have looked at domestic violence from the outside in, and typically, it is met with
judgment or limited understanding as to why someone would stay in such a hostile environment. Let me assure you that these situations are never as simple as they seem.

Victims live in constant fear. The abuser’s use of gaslighting and psychological abuse clouds the victim’s own judgment, making them feel unsure of themselves and their abilities. Over time, the victim begins to believe all the abusive statements that have been told to them, leaving them further isolated, lacking of self-worth, and more fearful to leave the abusive relationship.

Research shows that those who have engaged in an unhealthy partnership often times grew up in a violent or dysfunctional household as a child. According to the Journal of Family Psychology, the 15 million U.S. children who are in abusive households are at greater risk for repeating the cycle as adults by entering abusive relationships or becoming abusers themselves.

It’s noted that a young boy who witnesses his mother being abused is 10 times more likely to abuse his female partner later in life. Also, the American Counseling Association found that a girl who grows up in a home where her father
abuses her mother is more than six times as likely to be sexually abused versus a girl who grows up in a non-abusive home. Children who are in an unhealthy environment are also at higher risk of depression, anxiety and poor self-esteem. Their physical well-being is at stake, too, with a greater likelihood in diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

HomeSafe has the staff expertise to help victims learn the tools and skills they need to heal from their trauma and find a brighter path forward. Our SafetyNet Program offers a full spectrum of services for victims of family violence, in both English and Spanish, including year-round adult, teen and child therapeutic support groups, individual therapy, crisis intervention, preventative education and court advocacy. Annually, through these services, over 120 families will break free from the grips of domestic violence and the intergenerational cycle of abuse.

Additionally, HomeSafe has Project ReachOut, which extends its SafetyNet services to two mobile home communities in West Palm Beach and provides support groups and critical resources to families that are at a higher risk for experiencing family violence. The goal of the program is to prevent child abuse and domestic violence before it begins.

If you think someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, there are physical, emotional and behavioral signs to be mindful of, including:

• Withdrawing from activities usually enjoyed, isolation and cutting off contact with loved ones.
• Wearing heavier makeup or clothing to cover up physical injuries.
• Seeming fearful, agitated, anxious or overly apologetic.

It is never too late for victims of domestic violence to break free and regain control over their life. HomeSafe is here to help. We encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to call our SafetyNet Program at 561-383-9800, ext. 1222 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Matthew Ladika is CEO of HomeSafe, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Palm Beach County’s and South Florida’s most vulnerable residents — victims of child abuse and domestic violence.

Visit helphomesafe.org.